Preface

This handbook is intended principally for Candidates who are intending to take a BULATS test. It has
sections to help them familiarise themselves with the skills, topics and tasks included on the test and
gives advice on how to improve their language skills and how to prepare for the test. Some of the
information included in the handbook may also be of use to other test stakeholders such as Agents,
Training Organisations and Clients.
For further information about BULATS contact your nearest Distributor or Agent as listed on the website
or contact Cambridge ESOL directly at the address or e-mail below:
The Business Language Testing Service
Cambridge ESOL
1 Hills Road
Cambridge, CB1 2EU
United Kingdom
e-mail bulats@ucles.org.uk
www.bulats.org
Tel. +44 1223 553473
Fax. +44 1223 460278
bulats candidate handbook 1
Contents
1 Introduction
What is BULATS? 3
What level is BULATS? 3
Who is BULATS suitable for? 3
What topics and situations are covered? 3
2 The Computer Test
What is in the Computer Test? 5
How are the results reported? 5
How should you prepare for the test? 5
What should you do during the test? 6
Sample questions 6
3 The Standard Test
What is in the Standard Test? 10
How are the results reported? 10
How should you prepare for the test? 10
What should you do during the test? 12
Sample questions 13
4 The Writing Test
What is in the Writing Test? 26
How are you assessed in the Writing Test? 26
How are the results reported? 26
How should you prepare for the Writing Test? 26
What should you do during the test? 26
Sample questions 27
5 The Speaking Test
What is in the Speaking Test? 28
How are you assessed in the Speaking Test? 28
How are the results reported? 29
How should you prepare for the Speaking Test? 29
What should you do during the test? 30
Sample questions 31
2 bulats candidate handbook
1 Introduction
What is BULATS?
BULATS stands for the Business Language Testing Service. It is a service for companies designed to
help them nd out the level of language skills among their staff, trainees or job applicants. It assesses
language skills which are needed for the workplace and for students and employees on language courses
or on professional/business courses where foreign language ability is an important element of the course.
At the moment, four different types of test are offered: the BULATS Computer Test , the BULATS Standard
Test, the BULATS Writing Test and the BULATS Speaking Test.
BULATS is a multilingual service, offering parallel tests in English, French, German and Spanish.
Tests of English are produced by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (part of UCLES), French
by the Alliance Franaise, German by the Goethe-Institut and Spanish by the Universidad de Salamanca.
The service is co-ordinated by Cambridge ESOL, which has been producing language examinations since
1913 and delivers over a million assessments a year in 130 countries.
This Handbook contains information for candidates preparing for the Computer Test, the Standard Test,
the Writing Test or the Speaking Test. The examples in this Handbook are all for English tests. The other
languages follow the same format and approach, but you should also look at a Sample Paper for the
particular language you are to be tested in.
What level is BULATS?
BULATS provides tests for all learners of a foreign language. There is no pass mark, candidates
are placed in one of six levels. These levels are expressed as ALTE (Association of Language Testers
in Europe) Levels which are linked to the Council of Europe Framework (CEF) levels. This is explained
in the table below:
Who is BULATS suitable for?
BULATS is suitable for any learner who needs to use a foreign language at work (English, French, German
or Spanish). The test is carefully designed to be suitable for a wide range of people at work technicians,
secretaries or managers, in banking, in education or in manufacturing, in administration, research or
marketing. It does not require any previous business experience, and so it is also suitable for students
who may need to use the foreign language in the future.
What topics and situations are covered?
Personal information
Asking for and giving personal details (name, occupation, etc.)
Asking about and describing jobs and responsibilities
Asking about and describing a company and its organisation
bulats candidate handbook | 1 Introduction 3
ALTE Levels
Council of Europe
(CEF) Levels BULATS scores Level Description
Cambridge ESOL certicated
examinations at these levels
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Level 0
C2
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1
90100
7589
6074
4059
2039
019
Upper Advanced
Advanced
Upper Intermediate
Intermediate
Elementary
Beginner
CPE
CAE, BEC Higher
FCE, BEC Vantage
PET, BEC Preliminary
KET

The ofce, general business environment and routine

Arranging appointments/meetings
Planning future events and tasks
Asking for and giving permission
Giving and receiving instructions
Predicting and describing future possibilities
Asking for and giving opinions
Agreeing and disagreeing
Making, accepting and rejecting suggestions
Expressing needs and wants
Discussing problems
Making recommendations
Justifying decisions and past actions
Entertainment of clients, free time, relationships with colleagues and clients
Discussing interests and leisure activities
Inviting, accepting and refusing offers and invitations
Thanking and expressing appreciation
Apologising and accepting apologies
Travel
Making enquiries, reservations, requests and complaints
Health
Health and safety rules in the workplace
Leisure activities, interests and sports
Buying and selling
Understanding and discussing prices and delivery dates, offers and agreements
Products and services
Asking for and giving information about a product or service
Making comparisons, expressing opinions, preferences, etc.
Making and receiving complaints
Results and achievements
Descriptions and explanations of company performance and results, trends, events and changes
Other topic areas
A number of other topics in areas of general interest, such as food and drink, education (training,
courses), consumer goods, shopping and prices, politics and current events, places, weather, etc. may be
included.
4 1 Introduction | bulats candidate handbook
2 The Computer Test
What is in the Computer Test?
The BULATS Computer Test assesses your ability to use the foreign language by presenting questions
via a computer. Questions appear on a screen and you answer them by clicking on a particular option
or by typing in words or phrases.
There are eight types of question and they assess listening, reading and grammar/vocabulary skills.
Listening Tasks
(i) Listen and Select
Candidates listen to a short recording and answer a short multiple choice question.
(ii) Listen and Select (Graphic)
The same as above, but the choice is between three pictures or images.
(iii) Extended Listening
Candidates listen to a longer recording and answer a series of multiple choice questions based on it.
The questions are presented in the same order as the information in the text.
You can hear the listening recordings twice.
Reading and Language Knowledge Tasks
(i) Read and Select
Candidates are presented with a notice, diagram, label, memo or letter containing a short text.
They choose a phrase that most closely matches the meaning of the text.
(ii) Extended Reading
Candidates read a longer text and answer a series of multiple choice questions based on it.
The questions are presented in the same order as the information in the text.
(iii) Multiple Choice gap-ll
Candidates choose the best word or phrase to ll gaps in a text. Four choices for each gap.
(iv) Open gap-ll
Candidates complete blanks in a text by typing in the missing word.
(v) Gapped sentences
Candidates complete gaps in a sentence by choosing the correct word or phrase. There are four choices
for each gap.
The computer test starts with testing a candidates Reading and Language Knowledge before starting
the second section consisting of the Listening part of the exam.
The Computer Test is adaptive. This means that it adapts to your level. If you get questions right, it will
give you more difcult ones. If you get questions wrong, it will give you easier ones.
N.B. You can change your mind and change an answer you have selected. However, once you move on
to the next task, you cant go back to a previous one.
How are the results reported?
The Computer Test produces a report with the candidates overall score (on a scale of 0100) and level
(on the ALTE level system of 05), and their score on each section. A test report form can be printed out
from the test if the test administrator has selected this option, or a report can be printed from the
administrators Supervisor program.
How should you prepare for the Computer Test?
The skills tested in the Computer Test are the same as in the Standard Test, and so you should read the
advice given in the section on the Standard Test.
bulats candidate handbook | 2 The Computer Test 5
In addition, you should familiarise yourself with the format of the Computer Test and the way you need
to answer questions. A demonstration version of the Computer Test is available on the BULATS website:
www.bulats.org. If you do not have access to this, you should ask your language trainer to obtain
a Demonstration CD for the BULATS Computer Test, which also contains a demonstration test for
you to try out.
What should you do during the Test?

Relax the test is designed to be easy to use. Some candidates lose marks because they misread
instructions in their nervousness.

Read the instructions carefully.

Do not hurry answer questions carefully. Unlike the Standard test you cannot review your answers
before nishing the test. Some candidates lose marks because they race through the test. However,
do not spend too long on a question generally, the rst answer a candidate produces is the best one.
Reading tasks do not require you to understand every single word in the text.

Keep an eye on the progress indicator which shows how far through the test you are.
Sample Questions
Below are some sample screens showing questions taken from the computer test. It is not possible to
produce sample questions for the whole test because it is adaptive, each test is therefore unique. Please
visit the website (www.bulats.org) or view our BULATS Demonstration CD for more sample questions.
Listen and Select
Candidates listen to a short recording and answer a short multiple choice question.
6 2 The Computer Test | bulats candidate handbook
Listen and Select (Graphic)
The same as above, but the choice is between three pictures or images.
Gapped sentences
Candidates complete gaps in a sentence by choosing the correct word or phrase. There are four choices
for each gap.
bulats candidate handbook | 2 The Computer Test 7
Extended Listening
Candidates listen to a longer recording and answer a series of multiple choice questions based on it.
The questions are presented in the same order as the information in the text.
Extended Reading
Candidates read a longer text and answer a series of multiple choice questions based on it. The questions
are presented in the same order as the information in the text.
8 2 The Computer Test | bulats candidate handbook
Multiple Choice gap-ll
Candidates choose the best word or phrase to ll gaps in a text. There are four choices for each gap.
Open gap-ll
Candidates complete blanks in a text by typing in the missing word.
bulats candidate handbook | 2 The Computer Test 9
3 The Standard Test
What is in the Standard Test?
The Standard Test lasts 110 minutes and tests listening and reading skills, and knowledge of grammar
and vocabulary.
More details and examples of each type of question are given on pages 13 to 25.
How are test results reported?
The exact format of your test result is decided by the organisation you work for or study with. Normally,
candidates receive a Test Report, which includes their overall score and level and their score on each
section. On the reverse of the report there is a summary of the ALTE Can Do statements.
How should you prepare for the test?
BULATS tests your ability to use the foreign language in real-life situations. So the best way to prepare for
BULATS is to practise using the language in realistic situations.
Listening
Listening to a foreign language can be a very tense and stressful activity if you are not sufciently
10 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook
Skill
Part or
Section Type of task
Number of
questions
Listening 1
2
3
4
Understanding short conversations or monologues.
Taking down phone messages, orders, notes, etc.
Listening for gist: identifying topic, context or function. Short
monologues/dialogues.
Listening to extended speech for detail and inference.
Monologue/dialogue.
10
12
10
18
Reading and
Language
Knowledge
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Understanding notices, messages, timetables, adverts, leaets,
graphs, etc.
Grammar and Vocabulary. Gapped sentences with multiple
choice task.
Newspaper or magazine article, advert, leaet, etc. Long text.
Grammar. Medium length text open cloze.
Reading for specic information. Four short texts with matching
tasks.
Grammar and Vocabulary. Medium length text with multiple
choice cloze.
Grammar. Medium length text open cloze.
Grammar and Vocabulary. Gapped sentences with multiple
choice task.
Reading for gist and specic information. Newspaper
or magazine article, report, etc. Long text.
Error correction task. Medium length text.
7
6
6
5
7
5
5
6
6
7
Total 110
prepared. Listening should be practised from the early stages of learning the language, not only just
before taking an exam like BULATS.
Sources of listening practice:

your language trainer/instructor

talks, presentations, meetings, clubs, lms e.g. at the British Council

radio and TV broadcasts, e.g. BBC World Service and BBC English programmes (contact BBC English,
Bush House, Strand, London WC2B 4PH, UK for a free schedule)

language learning cassettes: most international publishing companies produce excellent cassettes which
give you the chance to listen to a variety of native speakers

there are many websites offering online listening opportunities and activities including the BBC website
and the British Council website.
Remember that it is the meaning of what you hear that is important, not the exact words said. Concentrate
on understanding the general meaning, before worrying about particular words you could not hear or
understand.
Types of listening recordings used in BULATS:
face-to-face conversations recorded information
telephone conversations interviews, discussions, presentations
answerphone messages verbal instructions and explanations
Reading and Language Knowledge
You should prepare for the Reading section by reading a wide variety of relevant materials see the
list below.
You should practise reading extensively as well as intensively: extensively means reading lots of
materials without stopping to check any difcult words or phrases, while intensively means reading
slowly and carefully, checking each unfamiliar word. The reading texts in BULATS are quite long for the
time available and you need to have developed skills in quickly looking through a text to get the general
meaning, and to pick out answers to particular questions.
Sources of reading materials:

language learning books most publishers produce good coursebooks with a variety
of business-related texts

foreign language libraries, e.g. the British Council

foreign or multinational companies write to them asking for information in the language
you are studying

foreign language newspapers and magazines

graded readers (novels adapted for learners of English)

texts on the internet.

Types of reading text included in BULATS:
letters records of meetings
memos ofce diaries
informal messages, notes company reports (internal or external)
notices instructions, guides
adverts articles from newspapers, newsletters or magazines
forms charts
brochures, catalogues tables
product descriptions graphs
Grammar and Vocabulary
BULATS tests the vocabulary required for general communication at work. It does not include specialised
vocabulary for particular areas of business.
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 11
A useful way of developing your general business vocabulary is to read a wide range of work-related texts.
Course books produced by international publishers also contain many useful exercises for developing
grammatical and vocabulary knowledge.
What should you do during the test?
1 Before the test starts
Arrive early so that you have time to settle down before the test starts.
Make sure you have a Question Paper and an Answer Sheet. When the invigilator tells you, complete the
personal information on the rst page of the Question Paper and on the Answer Sheet. You may also need
to answer some questions about yourself on another sheet called the Candidate Information Form.
2 Listening section
The recordings for the Listening section are played twice in parts 1 and 4 but only once in parts 2 and 3.
You are not expected to understand every word even if it is repeated a second time. You just need to
pick out the information which is being tested. It is important not to panic when the cassette starts and
it seems fast and difcult to understand to begin with.
It is also important to be very clear about the questions: listen carefully to the instructions (they are also
written down in the Question Paper), and during the 1520-second pause before the recording begins,
read quickly through the text or options.
For the Listening section, write your answers on the Question Paper as you listen to the cassette.
When the cassette nishes (after about 50 minutes), you have ve minutes to copy your answers from
your Question Paper onto your Answer Sheet. It is important that you do this carefully, as only the Answer
Sheet will be marked.
3 Reading and Language Knowledge section
There are two parts in this section with four sections in Part One and six sections in Part Two. You only
have 60 minutes to do them, so you need to work quite quickly. You still need to read carefully, but you
must avoid getting stuck on irrelevant details or unimportant words. One good approach to the reading
questions is rst to read the text through quickly to get an idea of what it is about, then look at the
question to see what information you need to nd out, then go back to the key part of the text which
will give you that information.
Do not worry if the topic of the text is one you are unfamiliar with the questions do not assume any
previous knowledge of the topic.
Remember, for the language knowledge questions:
a) you can only write one word for section four in Part One and section three in Part Two.
b) for section six in Part Two, some of the lines may have no error in them, and you must put a tick for
those lines.
12 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook
Sample Questions
Listening section
The recordings for Part 1 and Part 4 of the Listening section are played twice.
The recordings for Part 2 and Part 3 of the Listening section are only played once.
Listening Part 1 Understanding short extracts (10 questions)
You listen to some short recordings (about 20 seconds long) and try to understand what they are talking
about, or who is talking or what they are trying to say in each one.
Example: You look at this on the question paper.
Then you listen to this.
The correct answer is B.
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 13
Part One
Questions 110

You will hear 10 short conversations.

For questions 110, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer.

You will hear each conversation twice.

1 Which is the gate number for the ight to Bangkok?
A B
C
Instructions Question 1. Which is the gate number for the ight to Bangkok?
Announcement: Attention all passengers waiting at Gate 17 for ight BA203 to Bangkok. Please proceed immediately
to Gate 12 where your plane will be boarding shortly.
Listening Part 2 Taking down messages, notes, etc. (12 questions)
You listen to three phone conversations. For each one, you have a form or message to complete, using the
information you hear in the conversation. You hear each conversation only once.
Example: You look at this on the question paper.
Then you listen to this.
The correct answers are: 11 Saunders [exact spelling required]
12 064 318 006
13 computer desk(s)
14 6
14 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook
Conversation One
Questions 1114

Look at the form below.

You will hear a man calling to place an order

ORDER FORM
Customer Details
Name: Ken (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company: Greenlight Communications, 201 Hall Road, Manchester
Tel: 064 313988 Fax: (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Order Details
Item: (13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quantity/Amount: (14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instructions: Conversation One, questions 11 to 14.
Look at the form below. You will hear a man calling to place an order.
Man: Id like to make an order please.
Woman: Certainly, sir. Could you give me your name, please?
Man: Yes, its Ken Saunders.
Woman: How do you spell Saunders, please?
Man: S-A-U-N-D-E-R-S. Saunders.
Woman: And the name of your company is ...?
Man: Greenlight Communications, 201 Hall Road, Manchester.
Woman: What was the name of the road again?
Man: Hall, H-A-L-L.
Woman: And could I take a telephone number and fax number?
Man: Telephone 064 313 988, fax 064 318 006.
Woman: Thank you very much. Now can I take your order?
Man: Its for some computer desks. Theyre model 00519 in your catalogue.
Woman: And how many did you want to order?
Man: Six
Woman: Right. The computer desks are 800 each, so that will be a total of 4,800 for six, plus 50 transportation
charges. That makes a total of 4,850. As soon as we receive your cheque or bank draft, well despatch
them to you. Delivery usually takes between 2 and 3 weeks.
Man: Good. Ill post it to you today.
Listening Part 3 Understanding short extracts (10 questions)
You listen to some short recordings (about 20 seconds long) and try to understand what they are talking
about, or who is talking or what they are trying to say in each one.
Example: You look at this on the question paper.
Then you listen to this.
The correct answer is D.
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 15

You will hear ve people answer the question What do you like about your work?

As you listen to each one, decide what the person likes.

Choose your answer from the list A to I and write the correct letter in the space provided.

You will hear the ve pieces once only.

Example: ................. I ...................
23 Person 1 ..................................
24 Person 2 ..................................
25 Person 3 ..................................
26 Person 4 ..................................
27 Person 5 ..................................
A meeting lots of people
B good salary
C working on your own
D variety
E company has good reputation
F good ofce canteen
G developing useful skills
H near home
I foreign travel
Instructions: Question 23. Person 1.
Woman: What do I like about it? Well I suppose its interesting when I get in in the morning, I never know
whats going to happen. One day Ill be going to ve different meetings the next day Ill be working
by myself the whole day writing a report or something.
Listening Part 4 Understanding a longer recording (18 questions)
You listen to three longer conversations or presentations and you have to answer detailed questions
about what the people are saying.
Example: You look at this on the question paper.
Then you listen to this.
The correct answer is C.
16 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook

You will hear a talk given by a representative of the Health and Safety Executive. The talk is about
health problems for people working with computers and their visual display units (VDUs).

For questions 3338, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer.

You will hear the talk twice.

33 The speaker says VDUs may be
A better than manual typewriters.
B unsafe for new computer users.
C the cause of some health problems.
Man: Good afternoon, Ive been invited to talk to you about some of the health hazards which modern ofce workers
face. At the end of the talk youll have the opportunity to ask questions about anything I say.
Today, Visual Display Units or VDUs have all but replaced the typewriter and are standard equipment in almost
every ofce. But how safe are they? As more and more people begin using them, there is a degree of controversy
about their effects on health. There are some operators who report experiencing a number of symptoms from
relatively minor complaints like headaches and itching skin to more serious back and shoulder problems.
Reading and Language Knowledge section
Reading Part 1, Section 1 Understanding notices and short extracts (7 questions)
You read some common notices or extracts from letters, forms, adverts, leaets, etc. You answer one
question about each one.
Example:
The correct answer is B.
Reading Part 1, Section 2 Sentences with a gap (6 questions)
Each sentence must be completed using only one of the four choices available.
Example:
The correct answers are: 58 B, 59 D
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 17
. . . See enclosed brochure for details and levels of compensation.
A You should write to us for details about compensation.
B Details about compensation are given in a separate document.
C You will nd more information on compensation on the next page.

Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence.

For questions 5863, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your Answer Sheet.

58 My job frequently involves having to work .. intense pressure.
A below
B under
C beneath
D underneath
59 This type of decision has to be made at board ...
A layer
B rank
C grade
D level
Reading Part 1, Section 3 Longer text with multiple choice questions (6 questions)
The questions test your general understanding of the text and your ability to nd specic information.
Example:
The correct answers are: 64 B, 65 A
18 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook

Read the article below about women who run their own business and answer questions 6469 on
the opposite page.

For questions 6469, mark one letter A, B or C on your Answer Sheet.

Women running their own business
According to recent research, a third of new companies set up in Britain are run by women. Typical examples are Lisa
Simons, who started up her own highly successful clothing shops in London with a loan of 15,000 from her bank, and
Kate Rogers, who set up Cellar Cafs ve years ago and sold out to a major restaurant chain this month, at a prot of
3 million.
There are many other examples. Surprise, a mail order company selling unusual gifts, had a turnover of $4 million last
year. The company was started by Claire Fuller ve years ago in a garage, but later moved into premises in the centre of
Coventry. Similarly, Nina Taylor started her company, NC Books, in an old warehouse in Bristol. A lawyer by training,
she had no previous experience of the retail trade but believes that this worked to her advantage. Having no knowledge
of the book trade, she says, allowed me to bring fresh ideas into the business.
64 One-third of new British businesses
A consist of chain companies.
B are owned or managed by women.
C operate within the food sector.
65 What does the second paragraph tell us about the company called Surprise?
A The company delivers its products by post.
B The company has made a prot every year.
C The company operates from a garage.
Reading Part 1, Section 4 Filling gaps in a text (5 questions)
This section tests your grammatical knowledge of English. Candidates must decide what part of speech
is needed and in which form to complete the text.
Example:
The correct answers are: 70 the, 71 was, 72 so, 73 Since, 74 are
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 19

For questions 7074, read the text below and think of the word which best ts each space.

Write only one word in each space on your Answer Sheet.

Example:
He is very interested .. computers.
Answer: 0 in
Marias Beauty Boutiques
Maria Wilson is the now famous Managing Director of Beauty Boutique International plc, one of
(70) worlds beauty product chains. The daughter of Spanish immigrants, she
.... (71) . born and educated in Britain.
She opened her rst Beauty Boutique in 1976 and it was ......... (72) ......... popular that she opened
ve more shops in 3 years. .......... (73) .......... then business has developed at an amazing rate, and
the chain of Beauty Boutiques .......... (74) .......... now expanding all over the world.
Reading Part 2, Section 1 Finding information in short texts (7 questions)
You read four short texts, such as adverts, product descriptions, etc. Then you match different sentences
with each of those texts.
Example:
The correct answers are: 75 B, 76 C
20 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook

Read these sentences and the job advertisements on the next page.

Which job does each sentence 7581 refer to?

For each sentence, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your Answer Sheet.

75 You need to have experience of working with newspapers.
76 You have to be able to use a computer.
B
C
Executive Director
The Womens Environment Network (WEN) is looking for a highly motivated, inspiring woman to lead one
of Britains most successful environmental campaigning and information organisations.
Experience required includes management and organisational skills, media, writing and editing experience
and a knowledge of the environment and/or womens movement. You will need to run campaigns and motivate
a team of about 30 volunteers and paid staff.
WANTED
Experienced International Salesperson
representing leading travel company to companies and multinationals in the UK. Applicants are expected to
be able to display word-processing skills and familiarity with database software. Basic salary, excellent
commission and company car. We have a full-scale London ofce.
Reading Part 2, Section 2 Filling gaps in a text (5 questions)
This section tests your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. You have a text with ve words missing.
You are given a choice of four words for each gap and you have to choose the best one.
Example:
The correct answers are: 82 A, 83 D, 84 B, 85C, 86B
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 21

Read this letter about buying a computer.

Choose the best word to ll each space from the words below.

For each question 8286, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your Answer Sheet.
1 April
Dear Mr White
Re: Supply of XR6 Workstations
I have pleasure in conrming our ability to meet your requirements for the Silicon Graphics workstation. In view of
your special needs, I suggest that you place your order for the agreed equipment as soon as possible. The ........(82)........
time for hardware for example is 6 weeks from receipt of order to ........(83)........ . Thus, an order placed with us
tomorrow will ........(84)........ delivery to your site by the week commencing Monday, 15th May. All orders must be
accompanied by a ........(85)........ of 20% of the total amount shown on the attached ........(86)........ .
Yours sincerely
Vincent Law
Sales Manager
82 A delivery B arrival C transport D postage
83 A institution B initiation C introduction D installation
84 A compel B ensure C promise D maintain
85 A portion B cost C deposit D discount
86 A cheque B quotation C charge D demand
Reading Part 2, Section 3 Filling gaps in a text (5 questions)
You have a text with ve words missing. You have to think of a word to ll each gap.
Example:
The correct answers are: 87 the, 88 while, 89 could, 90 every, 91 had
22 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook

For questions 8791, read the text below and think of the word which best ts each space.

Write only one word in each space on your Answer Sheet.

Example:
He is very interested .. computers.
Answer: 0 in
Millionaire who just loves cars
John Pajackowski is a tall, thin, t 54 year old who is worth an estimated 145 million thanks to his
Car Trader magazines.
Back in .(87). 1960s, John was working in America, selling British sports cars. It was
hard work but ..(88)... he was there, he saw a magazine with pictures of cars for sale.
The magazine was regional and anyone ..(89).. advertise their car in it for a relatively
small fee. What impressed John most was that .(90).. single advertisement had a
picture of the car, unlike normal newspaper adverts, which just provided a written description.
Returning to Britain, John put all of his savings into producing a magazine like the one he
...(91). seen in the States. He started in the London region but was soon producing
similar magazines for twelve more regions and, by 1990, for three other countries as well.
Reading Part 2, Section 4 Sentences with a gap (6 questions)
Example:
The correct answers are: 92 B, 93 C
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 23

Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence.

For questions 9297, mark one letter A, B, C, or D on your Answer Sheet.

92 The successful applicant will have a proven track .. in project management.
A history
B record
C curriculum
D performance
93 When replying, please .. the above reference number.
A refer
B reproduce
C quote
D allude
Reading Part 2, Section 5 Understanding a longer text (6 questions)
You read a longer text, such as part of a business report, a newspaper article, etc. Then you answer some
detailed questions on it.
Example:
The correct answers are: 98 C, 99 A
24 3 The Standard Test | bulats candidate handbook

Read the article below about careers advice and answer questions 98103 on the opposite page.

For questions 98103, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your Answer Sheet.

Keys to unlock path of career fullment
It used to be called vocational guidance. Then it became careers advice and counselling. Since the late 1920s there
have been various tests to help guide bewildered and guileless school leavers into job categories suited to their interests
and abilities. Hence extroverts have been advised, wisely, to go into sales and marketing, where they thrive on the
variability, people-contact and the air of optimism. Introverts, on the other hand, nd the quiet work of accounts, stores
and engineering, where they can work alone in a less people-orientated, frenetic atmosphere, more to their taste.
But good careers advisors need to look at other factors when giving advice. For example, career counselling is
awed if it fails to allow for the possibility of people adapting to, and changing, their jobs once they are in them.
Most organisations attempt through various explicit (induction, mentoring, training, appraisal) and implicit (reliance
on observation) techniques to mould behaviour into an acceptable pattern. This means that attitudes and even aptitudes
of employees may be changed over the rst year of employment, sometimes, but not always, in the direction desired
by the organisation. Thus what was a t may easily and quickly develop into a mist and vice versa.
Individuals also change their jobs without leaving them. They rearrange furniture, use space and technology
differently and personalise different aspects of the job. They can negotiate with colleagues, earn special privileges and
use other means to improve their role and output. In this sense, very soon they are doing the job differently from their
predecessors, and possibly from the way recommended by the company. However, both adaptation of personal work-
style and attempts to change the way of doing the job are more likely to lead to a higher level of t, because the
changes are usually all attempts to increase t.
98 What does the writer say about careers advice in the rst paragraph?
A Those receiving it have sometimes disagreed with it.
B It has favoured certain types of people over others.
C Some of the standard advice given has been appropriate.
D It has acquired a more appropriate title than it used to have.
99 What does the writer say about organisations in the rst paragraph?
A The can turn suitable employees into unsuitable ones.
B Many of them have a low opinion of career advisers.
C They are insensitive to the effect their methods have on employees.
D Many are unclear about what to expect from employees.
Reading Part 2, Section 6 Correcting errors in a text (7 questions)
You have a text with at least seven lines. Some lines have errors in them. You have to say which lines have
errors and then correct them.
Example:
The correct answers are: 104 time, 105 would, 106
bulats candidate handbook | 3 The Standard Test 25

Your secretary has given you this letter for checking.

In some lines there is one wrong word.

If there is a wrong word, write the correct word on your Answer Sheet.

If there is no mistake, put a tick () on your Answer Sheet

Example:
One of the items you ordered from our catalogue 0
is temporary out of stock 00 temporarily
Dear Mr Rose
It was a pleasure to meet you the other day. I was very grateful
104 that you were able to nd some times in your busy schedule to visit us.
105 I thought it should be helpful if I had put on paper some of the points we
106 agreed on at our meeting and indicated some with the action points.
4 The Writing Test
What is in the Writing Test?
There are two parts to the BULATS Writing Test:
Part 1: Short Message/Letter (5060 words) 15 minutes
You write a short message or letter using information given.
Part 2: Report or letter(180200 words) 30 minutes
You write a report or letter following brief instructions. For this part, you choose a task from two
alternatives.
How are you assessed in the Writing Test?
You are assessed independently by two trained assessors.
You are assessed on:

how accurately and appropriately you use the language (the main focus is on grammar and vocabulary)

how well you organise your ideas

how effectively the piece of writing achieves its purpose.

How are the results reported?
You are given a Test Report which gives an assessment of your overall ability as well a description of what
you are likely to be able to do in the language in the workplace.
How should you prepare for the Writing Test?
You need to prepare by improving your general writing skills. The actual content of the test is difcult to
predict, and you will not be able to prepare specic pieces of writing for the test.
Make sure that you:

know, in general, the appropriate format and style for a standard short message, business letter and
business report

know how to select the appropriate information to be included in your document

know how to structure the information in clear and logical sections

know how to write in a style appropriate to the type of document and reader

know how to use a range of basic grammar and standard phrases accurately

keep within the time frame for the task.

What should you do during the test?
Arrive early so that you have time to settle down before the test starts and:

read the instructions very carefully many candidates lose marks for not following the
instructions correctly

make sure you cover all the points in the instructions

plan a logical order for the information you are going to give

concentrate on communicating the information in the most appropriate style for a document

do not worry too much about the exact number of words; examiners usually just check that there
is approximately the right length of text, rather than actually counting the exact number of words

think about who the letter or report is for you should write in an appropriate style.
For most people, there is not enough time to write the whole text in full draft before writing on the Answer
Sheet. Just make a few notes about what points you are going to make and in what order.
26 4 The Writing Test | bulats candidate handbook
Sample Questions
Part One
You have seen this advertisement for some part-time job vacancies:
Write a short letter applying for one of the jobs:

say which job you are interested in;

conrm that you meet the requirements;

say when you are available to start work.

For your answer, write about 60 words on the opposite page.
Part Two
In Part 2, the candidates have a choice between two tasks.
Task A
The senior management of your company has decided not to allow smoking at your place of work.
As the companys Health and Safety representative, you have been asked to write a letter to all
company employees.
Write the letter, informing staff of the decision and explaining why it has been taken.
Write about:

health issues

the feelings of staff who dont smoke

possible re risks
and any other points which you think are important.
Write about 180200 words on the following pages.
or
Task B
Your company is deciding whether it needs new ofce equipment. You have been asked to write a report
on the ofce equipment in your department and suggest any changes that need to be made.
Write the report describing the ofce equipment in your department.
Write about:

how important those types of equipment are

how well they work now

what changes you would like to see

and any other points which you think are important.
Write about 180200 words on the following pages.
bulats candidate handbook | 4 The Writing Test 27
PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Part-time vacancies for students in our Marketing, Accounts and Customer Service Departments
Applicants must be students on business-related courses
Apply to: David Jenkins, Mirai Computers
5 The Speaking Test
What is in the Speaking Test?
The BULATS Speaking test is in three parts. These are described below:
Part 1: Interview (about 4 minutes)
The examiner asks you questions about yourself, your work and your interests.
Part 2: Presentation (about 4 minutes)
The examiner gives you a sheet with three topics on it. You choose a topic and have one minute to prepare
a short presentation. You speak on the topic for one minute. Afterwards, the examiner asks you one or two
questions about your presentation.
Part 3: Information Exchange and Discussion (about 4 minutes)
The examiner gives you a sheet with a role-play situation. You ask the examiner questions to get the
required information. This leads to a discussion on a related topic.
How are you assessed in the Speaking Test?
The test is conducted by one examiner. This examiner gives you a mark. The Speaking Test is recorded
and the recording is sent to a second examiner who assesses your speaking separately.
Examiners use a set of scales to assess your ability in English. These scales focus on particular areas
of language ability. These are described below:
Accuracy of language
This means using the right vocabulary and grammar and not making mistakes.
Range of language
This means the range of words and sentences structures you use. How large is your vocabulary; how much
grammar do you know.
Pronunciation
This means how well you are able to pronounce words and how well you can use stress and intonation
to express what you want to say.
Discourse management
This means how well you speak when giving longer answers; how uent are you and how well do you
organise what you say.
Interactive Communication
This means how easy it is for the examiner to talk with you; how much does (s)he have to help you and
how well do you join in the conversation.
Overall Ability
This is a general assessment of your speaking skills.
28 5 The Speaking Test | bulats candidate handbook
How are the results reported?
There are two types of report that can be produced. One is the Group Report which your company or
organisation might want for a group of candidates taking the test. The other report is the Candidate Test
Report which might be given to you. This report gives an assessment of your overall ability in terms of the
ALTE levels with an indication of whether you are high, middle or low within that band. Test reports often
also include a description of what you are likely to be able to do in the language in the workplace
(e.g. can take simple routine messages over the phone).
How should you prepare for the Speaking Test?
You can prepare for the Speaking Test by:
a) becoming familiar with the types of task in the Test
To become familiar with the types of task in the Test, look at the sample questions in this Handbook.
Practise going through the tasks with your language trainer or with a friend/colleague who is competent
in the language. Make sure you know how long each part is likely to take.
b) looking at the aspects of speaking skills that you will be assessed on and nd out
where you need to improve most
Read through the assessment criteria and think about how your own speaking skills meet these
criteria: accuracy of language, range of language, pronunciation, discourse management, interactive
communication.
Ask your language trainer for feedback on each of these skills. Try recording yourself speaking in the
foreign language and listen to the recording, focusing on each of the skills.
c) practise speaking, focusing on the areas where you need to improve most.
Decide which skills you need to concentrate on. Ask your language trainer for help with improving each
of these skills.
The key to improving is practice. The more you practise, the better you will be.
So how can you get the practice that you need? There are different ways, as follows:

you can join an English course

you can use opportunities from your workplace

you can use opportunities from people you meet or from when you travel.
Whichever way you choose, it is important to remember that learning a language needs:

time you may need many years to become really competent

discipline you need to practise regularly

commitment you must want to do it.

Preparing for Part 1
Make sure that you:

can talk about your own job, studies, career plans and personal interests

know what to say if you dont understand a question or get confused.

Preparing for Part 2
You can expect to be asked to give a short presentation about a subject of personal interest or a work
topic. Make sure that you:

are familiar with talking for one minute you need a good idea of how long you will need to speak for

organise the information in a clear and logical manner

bulats candidate handbook | 5 The Speaking Test 29

deliver the information clearly and smoothly

are prepared to answer questions about the content of the presentation.

Preparing for Part 3
You can expect to be asked to role-play a situation with the examiner and then participate in a discussion
on a similar topic. Make sure that you:

listen carefully to the instructions given

participate actively in the role-play and the discussion

remember that you are not being assessed on your knowledge of the topic but on your language ability.
What should you do during the test?
Make sure you arrive early so that you have time to settle down before the test starts.
During the test:

try to give full answers where possible dont just say yes or no, but give a little more information
or an explanation

dont worry too much about grammar mistakes grammatical accuracy is only one of the skills
being assessed

concentrate on communicating the information and ideas in the best way that you can

know what to say or do when you dont understand a question or you are not sure what to do.
30 5 The Speaking Test | bulats candidate handbook
Sample Questions
No sample questions are provided for Part 1 of the Speaking Test.
Part 2 Task Sheet
Topic A
Describe an important business meeting you attended.
You should say:

where it was

what it was about

why it was important.

What were the most interesting moments? Give reasons for your answer.
Topic B
Describe someone you particularly enjoy working with.
You should say:

what this person does

what sort of work you do with this person

why you like working with this person.

Would you change anything about this person? Give reasons for your answer.
Topic C
Describe the best workplace you have ever had.
You should say:

where the workplace was

what you were doing there

why you liked to work there.

Would you change anything about it? Give reasons for your answer.
bulats candidate handbook | 5 The Speaking Test 31
INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all three topics below carefully.
Choose one which you feel you will be able to talk about for one minute.
You have one minute to read and prepare your talk.
You may make notes.
Part 3 Information Exchange and Discussion
Set 1 Conference arrangements
You have one minute to read through this task.
Information Exchange
You are making the arrangements for a one-day conference at a local hotel. The Examiner is the
Conference Organiser for the hotel and is visiting you to discuss the conference.
Find out this information:
(i) the size of the largest conference room
(ii) the cost for that room
(iii) equipment available.
You will then be asked to give your opinion on this information.
Discussion
Now discuss this topic with the Examiner:

What makes a successful conference?

32 5 The Speaking Test | bulats candidate handbook